House Pests

摘要

Conquering fear of bed bugs just takes knowledge, according to Borel (Popular Science's Our Modern Plagues blog). This book is two stories. The author's personal tale of delving into the world of Cimex lectu-larius to transform her bed bug phobia into "begrudging respect" frames the second story: what science knows about these creatures and their relationship to humans. While not a technical volume, Borel's work thoroughly explains how scientists know what they do and also admits what experts don't know. The author describes how genetic mutations lead to pesticide resistance and DOT's molecular structure's meaning. She takes readers into fieldwork sites, laboratories, pest control conventions, and insectaries. Black-and-white photos work seamlessly with the text, and the reference list is extensive, though those who want more science should also search BIOSIS, Agricola, and/or Google Scholar. Robert L. Usinger's Monograph of Cimicidae, the "bed bug Bible," is available in many larger libraries. For more insect biographies, Marion Copeland's Cockroach and Andrew Niki-foruk's Empire of the Beetle are solid choices. VERDICT For anyone who wants to replace their fear of bed bugs with knowledge.